Alli Ineffective
Orlistat is a powerful medication meant for people who are overweight or obese. Both
Alli and
Xenical are specifically approved to be taken only while also adhering to a low-calorie diet and exercise program. Even then, it produces only a 5 percent to 10 percent decrease in body weight.
Orlistat works by blocking enzymes in the gut that normally digest fat, thus preventing its absorption. But that lack of absorption can lead to a number of side effects, including oily underwear staining, gas with involuntary discharge of stool, fecal urgency, increased number of bowel movements, and fecal incontinence.
Virtually everyone who takes
orlistat experiences diarrhea.
Orlistat also hinders the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, notably beta-carotene (vitamin A), vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K.